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Oyster Restoration to Protect Nansemond River Shorelines
Exposed oyster reefs in Virginia's Elizabeth River serve as a breakwater to prevent shoreline erosion.
Dr. Lisa Drake
The Nansemond River Preservation Alliance (NRPA) and Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) teamed up in 2020 to deploy a variety of innovative oyster restoration techniques with the hope that these living shorelines will increase oyster populations and prevent erosion, among other benefits. Nature can help mitigate the impacts of erosion and flooding that threaten many waterfront properties. These "living shorelines" are not new. Virginia passed legislation in 2020 making living shorelines the default option for protecting shorelines.
The organizations selected five sites and concluded installations in 2021. This groundbreaking work is made possible by a grant from Suffolk-based Bleakhorn Foundation. This project is laying the foundation for future shoreline oyster restoration work throughout Hampton Roads, Virginia.
Find out more about this incredible project in our interactive story map below.
Building shorelines using natural processes and materials can be less costly and more effective than hard shoreline protection such as riprap and bulkheads. They can also restore the historic benefits of natural buffers, which have been lost as oysters and wetlands in the region have dramatically declined. If waves first hit oyster reefs lining the shore, some of the force of the waves is absorbed before it can cause erosion. This helps with the resurgance of marsh grasses, which also buffer waves and lessen flooding. In addition, oyster reefs provide homes and food for fish, crabs, and other wildlife, and filter pollution that enters our waters. Ultimately, these efforts provide better opportunities for local watermen and cleaner water for citizens. You can learn more about the magic of oyster reefs in our video, The Incredible Oyster Reef.
If you are interested in learning more about the project, reach out to the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance.
Both NRPA and CBF are members of the Chesapeake Oyster Alliance, and their work on the Nansemond River in Suffolk will support the Alliance goal of adding 10 billion new oysters to the Bay by 2025.
